FIA must "compensate" for F1 drivers "exploiting the rulebook" - Russell

Grand Prix Drivers' Association director George Russell believes the FIA must "compensate" for F1 drivers "exploiting the rulebook".

The new Mercedes driver was addressing changes made by the sport's governing body during the first steps of reform in the wake of the controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ending from last season that saw Max Verstappen pip Lewis Hamilton for the race win and the title.

Michael Masi has been removed from his role as race director and repositioned within the FIA, with Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas alternating in the position alongside new senior advisor Herbie Blash.

The FIA has also introduced a VAR-style virtual race control centre to assist the race direction during races.

Asked if the GPDA had any input in talks over the winter, Russell replied: "Yeah, as the GPDA we did speak to the FIA and they were incredibly proactive straight away after Abu Dhabi to find better solutions.

"The VAR solution is great and it makes total sense to have further assistance, people analysing live and more input to get a quicker view and decision to be made.

"Time's progressed, things move on. The way that drivers are exploiting the rulebook is understandable and the FIA need to do more to compensate for that because every team, every driver is always going to look for a way to get the upper hand.

"I think it will take some time to really refine but I do think it's a step in the right direction.

"But it's never enough. It's always going to need more. With the VAR, the more things we do virtually can only be beneficial."

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